BRADFORD – We had so much fun at Bradford Elementary School for our first DD Awareness visit to Darke County schools.
Paula Laney, who was born with cerebral palsy, talked with the kids in a fun and easygoing way. She wants people to be comfortable to get to know people with disabilities and not be hesitant to talk to someone because they may look, sound, or act differently.
She told the kids she was born this way, and it’s ok! While life hasn’t always been easy and she certainly has challenges to overcome (don’t we all?), through supportive people and technology, she has learned how to navigate life – and it’s a pretty terrific life.
Paula doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her and she always laughs and says, “It’s all good in the neighborhood.”
Teresa Wagner, a teacher at Bradford, invited Jace and Dakota to help educate students on their disabilities and how just being a good friend and including them can make a big difference in everyone’s day.
We left the students with lots of ‘kindness matters’ swag and books to help remind them that they – alone – have the power to make a difference and that every single one of us is unique, beautiful, talented and awesome.
Thank you, Bradford, for having us!
